News briefs from around Marlborough

Tale of two centres
Town Centres in Blenheim and Picton enjoyed increases in occupancy last year yet continued facing challenges, according to a Council report. Conducted every other year since 2011, the Town Centre Health Check assesses the vitality and conditions of Marlborough’s CBDs.

Blenheim’s vacancy rate dropped from 8 per cent in 2024 to 5 per cent in 2025. However, consumers spent 7.5 per cent less – $21.5 million – in totalling $275.3 million. Town Centre accounts for nearly a third of Marlborough’s spend tally.

Picton, by contrast, saw spending jump 2.5 per cent – $2.4 million – to $96.7 million and vacancies reduce by 2 per cent to a mark of 6 per cent.

Visit the Council website marlborough.govt.nz for complete findings.

On the Hunt
Starborough Hunt collected a truckload of funds from raffling off a truck.

The club announced on Monday that the 2026 Ford Ranger Raffle raised about $15,000. As reported in last month’s Rural News section, the organisation sought proceeds to upgrade housing for the hounds and offset increases in registration fees.

Daniel and Lou Bowie of Wairarapa received the first-place prize of the truck. Aucklanders Kieran McLean and Andrew Fisher placed second and third, receiving $1,000 and $5,000, respectively.

“Starborough Hunt Inc would like to thank all those that supported our fundraising raffle,” the club said.

Work curtailing workouts
Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 will close for the day on Thursday, and parking issues may linger for two weeks, for work on the community sport centre.

Council explained that an “essential power upgrade” is “critical for ongoing safety and reliability of the facility. Crews will work extended hours to minimise disruption.”

This is the first full closure of Stadium 2000 in 25 years. Visit stadium2000.co.nz for updates.